A Time of Celebration

Homecoming and High School Days Weekend

Homecoming – High School Days weekend on the YC campus will always be an anticipation of great autumn weather and a schedule of activities that leaves everyone happily exhausted. It’s a weekend mixture of memories revisited and the very beginnings of new friendships; a blend of long-standing traditions that have stood the test of time and experiencing for the very first time the excitement of staying overnight in a college dorm.

The weekend activities were well underway Friday morning as high school juniors and seniors had the opportunity to attend college classes and chapel. That afternoon, alumni and guests participated in the 12th Annual Homecoming Golf Tournament held at the York Country Club. It was a little on the windy side, but the nine teams registered enjoyed a great afternoon on the links. Over $1,500 was awarded in flags and prizes through the support of alumni sponsors: David Lynn ’74, Grimes brothers (Dave ’76, Mark ’78, and Scott ’80), Roger Deal ’90, and Lieutenant Rusty Ridley ’07. The winning score of -10 under par was turned in by the team of Cornell Bonde ’90, Tim Lewis ’84, Noel Lawrence ’84, and Steddon Sikes ’84. Second place went to the Grimes family: Scott ’78, Nate ’06, Dan ’08, and Matt.

Gurganus Hall was sold out three nights straight for the incredible performances of The Little Shop of Horrors, a comedic tale of a down-and out floral assistant, Seymour, who discovers a carnivorous exotic plant full of rhythm and blues. Under the direction of John Baker and Dr. Clark Roush, the Broadway musical showcased the combined talents of the theatre and music departments and provided a lot of humorous moments and wonderful music. Closing out Friday’s schedule was a reception for alumni and the always entertaining performance by Soul Concern.

Saturday started out with Rick Eldred ’71 and Willie Sanchez ’81 providing the Alumni Chapel program, followed by the Concert Choir’s inspiring performance. President Baker then announced John Hamm as the Alumnus of the Year. Hamm, a YC graduate from the class of ’69, is a minister, auctioneer, and realtor from Pratt, Kansas.

York College Homecoming Royalty was crowned at the halftime of the men’s soccer game on Saturday with Jenn Witt receiving the honors as YC Queen and Nick Parsons dubbed King. Witt, a senior Biology major is from Flagler, Colorado, and Parsons, a senior Communications – Theatre emphasis major, is from Redding, California. Other members of the Homecoming Court were candidates: Sara Firm, Elise Hart, Martha Kinyon, Erin Mogul, Patrick Good, Daniel Good, Eric Heatwole, and Zach Rush. Representing the other classes in the court were Freshmen – Kristin Tuttle and Paul Helms, Sophomores – Amasa Maine and Brent Stahl, and Juniors – Renee Willard and Caleb Rush. At the completion of the ceremony the royal couple was treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride around the campus.

Gatherings of reunion classes went late into the night as friends shared memories and filled each other in on recent happenings in their lives. The weekend proved once again to be a fun weekend getaway for high school students and a great homecoming for all those who have tasted “The York Experience.”